v2.4.0.8
Derivatives and Hedging
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2014
Derivatives and Hedging  
Derivatives and Hedging

Note 11—Derivatives and Hedging

 

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments—During the six months ended June 30, 2014, we entered into interest rate swaps, which are designated and qualify as a fair value hedge, to reduce our exposure to changes in the fair value of the 6.0% Senior Notes due March 2018 and the 6.5% Senior Notes due November 2020.  The interest rate swaps have aggregate notional amounts equal to the corresponding face values of the hedged instruments and have stated maturities that coincide with those of the hedged instruments.  We have determined that the hedging relationships qualify for, and we have applied, the shortcut method of accounting under which the interest rate swaps are considered to have no ineffectiveness and no ongoing assessment of effectiveness is required.  Accordingly, changes in the fair value of the interest rate swaps recognized in interest expense offset the changes in the fair value of the hedged fixed-rate notes.

 

At June 30, 2014, the aggregate notional amounts and the weighted average interest rates associated with our derivatives designated as hedging instruments were as follows (in millions, except weighted average interest rates):

 

 

 

Pay

 

Receive

 

 

 

Aggregate
notional
amount

 

Fixed or
variable
rate

 

Weighted
average
rate

 

Aggregate
notional
amount

 

Fixed or
variable
rate

 

Weighted
average
rate

 

Interest rate swaps, fair value hedge

 

$

1,050

 

Variable

 

4.71

%

$

1,050

 

Fixed

 

6.14

%

 

At June 30, 2014, our derivatives designated as hedging instruments had an aggregate carrying amount of $6 million, measured at fair value, recorded in other assets.